Joint Webinar Announcement: Protecting Oncology Nurses from Hazardous Drug Exposure

Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Title: Exposure Assessment and Health Effects of Hazardous Drugs for Oncology Nurses: The Unseen Hazard and the Imperative for Change

Time: 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET

Presenter: Dr. Melissa McDiarmid

Co-Hosted by: CANO/ACIO and ISNCC

Registration Link:
https://www.cano-acio.ca/event/canoacio_isncc_webinar2025

Registration is free for both CANO/ACIO and ISNCC members.Online registration is available until: 11/12/2025

Safety during preparation, administration and waste handling of hazardous drugs remains an important topic in oncology.  There are significant differences globally in how the risks associated with hazardous drug handling are mitigated in both preparation and administration. 
In general, there is agreement on the risks associated with many hazardous drugs in terms of their ability to induce side effects when handled, and for their ability to induce cancer and negative reproductive outcomes. 
In general, the biologics have largely been handled as non-hazardous, however, data is emerging that these drugs should be handled in the same way as all hazardous drugs.
Strategies to mitigate exposure include optimal physical space for preparation, engineering controls, CSTD’s and PPE. Strategies for exposure mitigation that are employed in preparation directly impact the exposure risk in administration.

Learning Objectives:
1. Review mechanisms of exposure to hazardous drugs.
2. Examine the health risks and potential harm associated with exposure to hazardous drugs
3. Consider recent information that alerts us to the hazards associated with targeted therapies and immunotherapy (biologics) which until recently have largely been considered non-hazardous
4. Review measures to reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous drugs.

Biographies:
Dr. Melissa McDiarmid is a Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology & Public Health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where she directs the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Her research and clinical work focus on occupational and environmental medicine, with an emphasis on the health effects of workplace exposure and the protection of healthcare workers.

Join ITONF’s Lung Cancer Awareness Webinar – Living Your Life with Lung Cancer, on 19 November 2025

A free webinar from the International Thoracic Oncology Nursing Forum (ITONF)

Dear Colleagues,

As part of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, ITONF invites you to register for our global webinar:

  Living Your Life with Lung Cancer

    On Wednesday 19 November 2025
  Toronto 0500hrs | London 1000hrs | CET 1100hrs | Perth 1800hrs | Brisbane 2000hrs |Sydney 2100hrs ⏱ Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
 Can’t join live? The recording will be available afterwards at www.itonf.com

  Register here

Programme

Welcome

Chair: Dianne Zawisza, Co-Chair ITONF Educational Subcommittee

Brief Introduction to Surgery & Adjuvant Therapy – A Case Presentation Including 'A Patient Story'

Kate Kuhns, USA, Co-Chair ITONF Educational Subcommittee

    A powerful patient perspective highlighting the impact of surgery and adjuvant treatment decisions, and the vital role nurses play in supporting recovery and wellbeing.

Improving Nutrition to Support Treatment Nicole Kiss, Australia 

Associate Professor at Deakin University, Melbourne, Nicole leads a research program to improve the recognition and management of cancer-related muscle loss and malnutrition. 

  Nutritional support is increasingly recognised as a cornerstone of care for people undergoing lung cancer treatment. Nicole will discuss practical ways to optimise intake, manage symptoms, and help patients maintain strength and resilience during and after therapy.

Top Tips for Advising Your Patient on Intimacy Eliza Bailey, Australia

Eliza is Nurse Coordinator at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne.

  Conversations about intimacy and sexuality can be among the most difficult in thoracic oncology nursing. Eliza will share sensitive and practical strategies for approaching these topics confidently, recognising the emotional and physical challenges patients face. She will emphasise the importance of intimacy and pleasure, crucial yet often overlooked aspects of holistic management.

Summary & CloseChair: Dianne Zawisza

  This topical and thought-provoking webinar will explore the holistic aspects of care that truly make a difference to those living their lives with lung cancer. Please register to join nurses from around the world to learn, share, and be inspired.

Join us in Philippines for AONS 2025!

The 7th Asian Oncology Nursing Society (AONS) International Conference is coming to the Philippines!

Theme: "S.Y.N.E.R.G.Y" - Shaping the Future through Education, Yielding Excellence, Nurturing Evidence-Based Research, and Guiding Oncology Nursing Innovation in Asia
November 26–28, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines

https://aons2025.ponaph.com/

Join the Inaugural National Oncology Nursing Conference of Nigeria!

16-18 December 2025 at Babcock University, Ogun State.

Theme:Oncology Nursing in The Spotlight: Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring Growth.

Abstract Submission Deadline: 30 August 2025.

Register now to be part of this landmark event!